Exactly – a lot of public schools (most aren’t even flagships) are particularly good for ecology/wildlife. Those don’t ring prestige bells for most people, but are favorites amongst ecologists. SUNY-ESF is a great example.
NAU, Utah State, U Idaho, Washington State, U Alaska Fairbanks, etc. I think there’s even an elephant conservation person at Colorado State.
OP’s career goals will matter for coming up with a good list.